Boko HaramOn April 14, 2014, a bomb exploded at a crowded bus station in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. 75 people were reported killed and 178 injured (Al Jazeera, 2014). These people are the latest victims of the Islamic terrorist sect known as Boko Haram. Boko Haram activity has intensified in recent years, sparking fear among Nigerians. The successes of Boko Haram's attacks, combined with the Nigerian government's inability to effectively control the group, create the potential for Boko Haram to cause significant dilemmas in Nigeria and Africa. The exact year of Boko Haram's origin has been debated. Onuoha notes that the group's beginnings come from a 1995 group led by Abubakah Lawan, known as "Ahlulsunna wal'jama'ah hijra" (Onuoha, 2010). It seems, however, that most academics and researchers attribute the creation of the current Boko Haram to Mohammed Yusuf in 2002 (Adibe, 2014). It is clear that under Yusuf’s leadership, the group has achieved significant gains and expansion. Yusuf is responsible for Boko Haram's evolution towards the mentality that Western education and civilization is sinful, which is the rough translation of “Boko Haram” (Salaam, 2014). After Yusuf's death, one of his deputies, Abu Muhammed Abubakar bin Muhammad Shekau, became the current leader of Boko Haram (Onuoha, 2010). Boko Haram's main objective is to overthrow the Nigerian government and implement Sharia law in all states of Nigeria. . They believe that the government is filled with corrupt and sinful individuals, who do not respect the words of the Quran. Shria law is a set of Islamic laws derived from the Quran. Sharia regulations and laws are very strict and provide for harsh punishments like stoning... middle of paper ...... Boko Haram crisis explained. African Security Review, , 54-67. Oriakhi, D. (2012). The impact of national security on foreign direct investment in Nigeria: an empirical analysis. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 88-96. Rogers, P. (April 30, 2012). Nigeria: the generic context of Boko Haram violence. Retrieved April 6, 2014, SALAAM, A. (January 27, 2014). The psychological constitution of “Muhammad Yusuf”. Boko Haram: anatomy of a crisis. Retrieved April 5, 2014 Salaam, A. (2012). Boko Haram: beyond religious fanaticism. Journal of Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism, 147-162. United States Department of State (November 13, 2013). Briefing Note on the Designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. Accessed March 27, 2014, from http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2013/11/217532.htm